G. Homer Durham photograph collection, 1930-1980

G. Homer Durham was born on 4 February 1911 in Parowan, Utah, but was raised in Salt Lake City. At the University of Utah, Durham received his B.A. in history and political science in 1932 and later served as vice president, director of the Institute of Government, and chairman of the Department of Political Science from the 1940s to 1960. In 1960, he became the president of Arizona State University (ASU). He served in this capacity until 1969 when he was offered the position of commissioner for Utah's higher education system. Durham served as Utah Commissioner of Higher Education from 1969 to 1975. As commissioner, he was involved with examining degree program proposals for colleges and universities; served in and with various committees and organizations, such as the Newcomen Society and Rotary Club; researched the effects of drugs and alcohol in Utah schools; took part in court cases involving the Utah System of Higher Education; and correlated with the state legislature on issues concerning Utah schools, among other duties. In the late 1970s, Durham was called to be a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Seventies and director of the LDS Church Historical Department. G. Homer Durham died in 1985.